Grilled Cheesy Jalapeno Peppers

Cinco de Mayo is annually observed on May 5 which is the anniversary of a victory in 1862 in the fight for independence from French forces. All across Mexico and the United States it is a festival of Mexican heritage which includes celebrations with food, art and music of the culture.What will you do to celebrate this year? How about whipping up some of these tasty appetizers?

• 1 - 8 oz. bar of Monterey Jack Cheese
• 15 jalapeno peppers, halved lengthwise and de-seeded
• 4-5 slices of bacon - cooked crispy
• 1/4 cup of panko bread crumbs
• 1 tbsp. butter
• salt and pepper to taste

1.  Cut 15 strips of the Monterey Jack Cheese.
2. Melt the butter in a small frying pan over medium heat. Add the panko crumbs along with some salt and pepper to taste. Toast to a light golden brown and remove from the heat.
3. Cook until crisp about 4-5 slices of bacon. Drain on a paper towel. Chop fine.
4. Combine the bacon and panko bread crumbs. Mix well.
5. Fill each half of the jalapeno peppers with a slice of the cheese and top with the bacon and panko mixture. Place the filled peppers on a platter or cookie sheet and refrigerate for about 5 minutes.
6. Light your grill and over medium heat on a CLEANED and OILED grill, grill the peppers until they are roasted and the cheese is completely melted. This will take about 20-25 minutes.

If you do not have a grill, make these in a toaster oven or a conventional oven. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes or longer until the peppers are softened and the cheese is melted. Figure 3 appetizers per person, so this is enough for about 10 people.  The cost for this was not very expensive. You won't use a whole pound of bacon so I have figured that in when costing out.

15 Jalapeno Peppers	$ 2.86
1 bar Monterey Jack Cheese	$ 2.00
Bacon	$ 1.20
Butter, Panko and spices	$   .56
Total cost for 5 people as an appetizer	$ 6.62
Per person cost for 5 people	$ .66 each